State Employers Reject Open University Teachers Diploma

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has refused to recognize a teaching diploma offered by the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), leaving thousands of graduates unable to secure employment.

The Zimbabwe Teachers Union (Zimta) blasted ZOU saying it failed to craft an academic program which meets the needs of employers.

The PSC said the diploma offered by the university does not offer teaching practice – a critical component of the teaching profession.

The affected teachers are threatening to sue the training institution.

There was no immediate comment from the PSC and ZOU officials but Zimta Chief Executive Sifiso Ndlovu said many of the affected teachers have resorted to using their high school qualifications so that that they can work as temporary teachers.

Ndlovu said the university should be forced to allow the teachers to retake the missing teaching practice component.